Employers in Peterborough are told not to be ‘foolish’ by encouraging all staff back to work

The no-nonsense message comes from John Bridge, chief executive of the Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce, who warns that employers have not been equipped with enough advice on how to protect staff during the coronavirus pandemic.

He is urging employers not to change their plans.

He said: “At the moment, it would be foolish for any business leader to encourage staff not already undertaking essential work to do anything but to continue to work from home if they can do so.

“We will need to see detailed plans for the phased easing of restrictions supported by clear guidance.

“It is imperative that companies have detailed advice on what will need to change in the workplace, including clarity on the use of Personal Protection Equipment.”

His comments follow last night’s statement from Prime Minister Boris Johnson encouraging non-essential staff back to work.

Mr Bridge said: “Having heard the Prime Minister last night, and already this morning had many questions, my strong and unequivocal advice to all businesses is not to change your plans today.

“We have not been given sufficient information on how to get our employees safely back to work, nor how to keep them safe while they are there.

“We hope that the statement in Parliament and the promised guidance documents will enable business to prepare.

Mr Bridge added: “I certainly share the Prime Minister’s ambition to see more people return safely to work over the coming weeks.

“I know that companies will do everything they can to protect their employees and customers, maintain social distancing and operate successfully as more sections of the economy are permitted to re-open.”

Mr Bridge has also called for the Government to provide more details about planned extensions to business support schemes.

He said: “As businesses we will also need to know that government support schemes, which have helped save millions of jobs in recent weeks, will continue for as long as they are needed so that we can plan ahead with confidence.

“The timing of further easing of restrictions must be guided by the public health evidence, but businesses need their practical questions answered so they can plan to restart, rebuild and renew.”